Guntersville golf team wins sub-state, qualifies for state tournament

GLENCOE — The Guntersville boys golf team rolled to the championship of the Class 4A, north sub-state Monday at Silver Lakes.

The Wildcats carded a 310, easily beating runner-up Ardmore, which scored a 335. Randolph came in third with a 347.

Reagan Harrell paced GHS with a round of 76. Three more Cats shots in the 70s — Colby Glassco 77, Nathan Glassco 78 and Trevor Conner 79. Eric Yarbro carded an 82.

Guntersville, Ardmore and Randolph all qualified for the 4A state tournament scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at The Shoals.

Trent Lemaster and Justin Perry played as individuals in the sub-state. Lemaster carded a 76 to qualify for state, and Perry shot an 84.

“I am extremely proud of the guys for the way they battled in the elements,” said GHS head coach Jimmy Latta.

“After the first four or five holes of partly cloudy skies, the rain set in for the day. Temps were in the low 50s, and it was far from an enjoyable day weather-wise.

“Seeing the guys dig down and fight through the rain and cold temps and make shots all the way to the finish, well, it was just special — great mental focus to the end.

“No other team was able to post more than one score in the 70s, and these guys posted four scores in the 70s — a total team effort.”

South sub-state qualifiers are champion UMS-Wright, St. James and Oneonta.

“At this stage of the game everyone is good,” Latta said.

“Ardmore has UAB commit Lee Hodges, who shot 66 in nasty conditions to earn low medalist honors at sub-state. Randolph has Garrett Moores, who shot 69 at sectionals.

“Oneonta is the defending state champions, UMS has won 20 boys state golf titles.

“Right now our guys our playing with great confidence, something that’s been missing for much of the first part of the season. That is probably due, in part, to the schedule that we’ve played.

“We have played more 5A and 6A opponents, longer, tougher courses, and 18-, 36- and 54-hole tournaments this year instead of the nine-hole matches that have been common in years past across our state. These guys really enjoy playing for each other and for GHS golf.

“The golf we see on TV is primarily an individual sport, but high school golf is very much a team sport, and these guys love their team. Now it's time to ‘Finish Strong.’”